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CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design

National ID
CUA50720
WA Course Code
BGU2
CRICOS code
105814M
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Why choose this course?

Advance your skills in design software including InDesign and Illustrator with this qualification. Gain experience in using these specialised programs to design annual reports, corporate identities, packaging and other press ready artwork. This course will also provide exposure to web design using WordPress, user interfaces, 2-D motion graphics using After Effects and the current trend of UX design (User Experience).

You will also learn 3-D modelling using Trimble Sketchup to assist in visualising packaging, signage and concept art and bring them to life with Blender 3D. This course will give you the opportunity to continue explorations into concept development, creative thinking, online social media advertising and digital illustration using an iPad and Procreate.

During your course you will complete live briefs with external clients, mainly not-for-profit organisations, to replicate real client experiences. From this exposure you will also learn about the business aspect of graphic design. 

On successful completion of this diploma you will be well equipped to find employment with experience in running live briefs and advanced software skills.

Career opportunities

  • Graphic Designer
  • Web and Multimedia Designer

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of CUA40720 Certificate IV in Design [Graphic Design] is required for entry into this course.

​Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

Your study options

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $2,100
  • Materials fee: $200

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

 

There is no work placement requirement for this course. 

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 19 units. These 19 are comprised of 9 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
  • CUADES413 Develop and extend design skills and practice
  • CUAGRD501 Research visual communication history and theory
  • CUAGRD502 Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
  • CUAGRD503 Produce typographic design solutions
  • CUAGRD514 Create and manipulate graphics
  • CUAGRD515 Design and manipulate complex layouts
  • CUAGRD516 Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs
  • CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • BSBCRT512 Originate and develop concepts
  • BSBMKG546 Develop social media engagement plans
  • CUAACD536 Refine 2-D design ideas and processes
  • CUAANM411 Create advanced 3D digital models
  • CUADIG403 Create user interfaces
  • CUAIND412 Provide freelance services
  • CUAPHI312 Capture photographic images
  • CUAPHI523 Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace
  • ICPPRP4350 Generate complex impositions
  • ICTWEB513 Build dynamic websites

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include projects and portfolio submissions. Any final submissions such as posters, packaging, web designs etc. are accompanied with a workbook as many of the learning outcomes and performance criteria are covered by the design process and not necessarily just the final product.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

 

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, learning plans, assessment tools, class handouts, reference materials for projects, PDF’s, PowerPoint presentations and online links.

Facilities and equipment may include access to workstations with iMac 27” computers, Maclabs with 22 stations equipped with a ‘student kit’ consisting of common resources such as rulers, erasers, scissors and pencils, projectors with sound, specialised software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Image Capture, Trimble Sketchup and Blender 3D, computer labs equipped with WACOM INTUOS and 4 digital tablets, WACOM CINTIQUE workstations, scanners, print resource room, binding machines, laser cutters, letterpress equipment and large format printers. 

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2026

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2026
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $2,100
  • Materials fee: $200

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

 

There is no work placement requirement for this course. 

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 19 units. These 19 are comprised of 9 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
  • CUADES413 Develop and extend design skills and practice
  • CUAGRD501 Research visual communication history and theory
  • CUAGRD502 Produce graphic designs for 2-D and 3-D applications
  • CUAGRD503 Produce typographic design solutions
  • CUAGRD514 Create and manipulate graphics
  • CUAGRD515 Design and manipulate complex layouts
  • CUAGRD516 Develop graphic design practice to meet industry needs
  • CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • BSBCRT512 Originate and develop concepts
  • BSBMKG546 Develop social media engagement plans
  • CUAACD536 Refine 2-D design ideas and processes
  • CUAANM411 Create advanced 3D digital models
  • CUADIG403 Create user interfaces
  • CUAIND412 Provide freelance services
  • CUAPHI312 Capture photographic images
  • CUAPHI523 Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace
  • ICPPRP4350 Generate complex impositions
  • ICTWEB513 Build dynamic websites

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include projects and portfolio submissions. Any final submissions such as posters, packaging, web designs etc. are accompanied with a workbook as many of the learning outcomes and performance criteria are covered by the design process and not necessarily just the final product.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

 

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, learning plans, assessment tools, class handouts, reference materials for projects, PDF’s, PowerPoint presentations and online links.

Facilities and equipment may include access to workstations with iMac 27” computers, Maclabs with 22 stations equipped with a ‘student kit’ consisting of common resources such as rulers, erasers, scissors and pencils, projectors with sound, specialised software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Image Capture, Trimble Sketchup and Blender 3D, computer labs equipped with WACOM INTUOS and 4 digital tablets, WACOM CINTIQUE workstations, scanners, print resource room, binding machines, laser cutters, letterpress equipment and large format printers. 

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

View our TAFE application process page for detailed advice

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

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Last updated on November 30, 2022